Adirondack Town Of Franklin
Adirondack Town Of Franklin

Town of Franklin Board Meetings

Minutes of the Monthly Town Board Meeting
August 11, 2010 - 7:00 PM

Board members present:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Clifford Smalley
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill

Board members Absent:

Councilman Allen Berg

Others Present:

Town Clerk Sandra Oliver, Doris Hamm, Frances Oliver, Karen Smalley, Ed Martin, Derrick Romeo, Ed Baltzly, Kenneth Guerin, Sigrid Moriece

1. CALL TO ORDER

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the Clerk called the roll, introduced guests and declared a quorum present.

2. PUBLIC COMMENTS

ED BALTZLY. Asked whether the Town could do something about people leaving “free” items on the roadside. He indicated there are residents who deposit large items with a “free” sign on them for too long a time and the items may interfere with traffic. In addition, some items may pose a health risk.

Supv. Willman replied that the matter was on the meeting agenda and would be addressed.

Coun. Smalley indicated he resides on the same road as Mr. Baltzly and supports some action by the Town.

KAREN SMALLEY. Wes Wilson, a Town of Franklin resident, just completed the Ironman. Mr. Wilson should be recognized for this accomplishment.

Supv. Willman indicated the Board applauds Mr. Wilson’s accomplishment and will recognize his achievement.

3. BUDGET AMENDMENTS.

None

4. AUDIT OF CLAIMS

The following claims were submitted on Abstract #7 of 2010:
General FundClaims 148 - 161$2,749.21
Highway FundClaims -$5,971.77
Prepay GeneralClaims -$1,365.25
The following claims were submitted on Abstract #1 of 2010:
LandfillClaims 1 & 2 $1,483.03

Coun. Smalley inquired whether the $1,500 in repairs made to the new excavator were anticipated, and Supv. Willman replied they were a surprise, but on recommendation of the Town of Saranac Highway Dept., repairs were effected and the vehicle will be useful for many more years. Motion to pay claims (B.Merrill-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE

5. MINUTES.

The minutes of the July 14, 2010 meeting were accepted as presented. Motion to accept minutes (C.Smalley-A.Willman m/s/p) ALL AYE

Motion to accept minutes (C.Smalley-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

6. SUPERVISOR REPORT.

Balances as at July 1, 2010:

General FundChecking$27,749.07
Savings$9,248.24
CLASS$212,160.88
Historian$3,032.82
Highway FundChecking$35,066.25
Savings$28,354.19
CLASS$497,930.56
Cap. Proj. Hwy.$ 36,464.96
LandfillChecking$24,250.77
CLASS$29,001.09
Fire ProtectionChecking$4,413.81
CLASS$685.30
Capital Project Building$434.84

Motion to accept Supervisor’s Report (C.Smalley-B.Merrill m/s/p) ALL AYE

7. TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.

Balances as at July 1, 2010:

6 dog licenses$28.00
5 Building permits$1,826.00
Copies (FOIL request)$3.50
--------
$1,857.50
 
Paid to Supervisor$1,842.75
Paid to County Treasurer(dogs)$11.75
Paid to NYS Agr& Mkts (dogs) $3.00
--------
$1,857.50

Motion to accept Town Clerk report (C.Smalley-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

8. HIGHWAY MATTERS

A. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.

Highway Superintendent DeMars submitted the following report of progress of the Department July 15-August 11, read by Supv. Willman:

1) ROAD WORK
• Sinkhole Road - Preparatory work for paving
• Fletcher Farm & Old Rte 3 - Preparatory work for paving; mowing
• Rock Street - brush cutting
• Cold Brook and Norman Ridge Roads - mowing

2) EQUIPMENT/VEHICLESVEHICLES
• Excavator repairs made - exhaust parts, throttle cable and kill switch
• Backhoe (2005) - Sent to Nortrax for warranty repair (warranty now expired and cannot be extended)

3) EMPLOYEES.
• Classified ad placed in Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Malone Telegram, Press Republican and listed with NY Dept. of Labor for Mechanic/MEO.

4) MEETINGS. Attended meeting at Emergency Services Building in Malone on emergency management. Very informative.

5) ANIMAL PEST PROBLEMS. Beavers are creating difficulties on Alder Brook, Sinkhole, Muzzy, Plank, Goldsmith, Thatcherville and Cold Brook Roads. The Highway Superintendent destroys the dams, but the day after the dams are destroyed the beavers rebuild them. Trappers have been contacted, but they are not willing to trap during summer, as pelts are not in prime condition. NYS Dept. Environmental Conservation has granted the Town authorization to deal with the problem by trapping or shooting. Highway Supt. requests permission to carry an unloaded firearm in order to dispatch beavers. The Board discussed this request and after some debate agreed to authorize the Highway Superintendent only to carry an unloaded firearm in Town-owned vehicles. Motion for resolution (C.Smalley-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 57: AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO CARRY UNLOADED FIREARM IN TOWN VEHICLE TO REMOVE NUISANCE BEAVERS WHEREAS, the beaver population in the Town of Franklin has increased; and WHEREAS, beavers erect dam structures which cause banks to overflow, thereby negatively impacting Town roadways; and WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has manually destroyed beaver dams only to have said dams reappear the next day; and WHEREAS, professional trappers do not wish to collect beaver pelts during warm weather as the pelts are not marketable; and WHEREAS, NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation has granted the Town authority to deal with nuisance beavers by trapping or shooting; and WHEREAS, the nuisance beaver problem has grown so that it must be dealt with immediately; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Highway Superintendent is hereby solely authorized to carry an unloaded firearm in Town vehicles in order to dispatch nuisance beavers.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Clifford Smalley
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

Councilman Allen Berg

Those Abstaining:

None

6) WINTER ROAD SAND. - Request to publish request for bids for up to 12,000 tons of screened road sand, picked up; bid opening at same time as Town of Harrietstown. The Board agreed to hold a special board meeting and bid opening at noon on Thursday, August 26, 2010. Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution to publish. (C.Smalley-B.Merrill m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 58: AUTHORIZE PUBLICATION OF REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR SCREENED ROAD SAND WHEREAS, the purchase of sand is necessary to keep the Town’s roads safe during the winter months; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is ordered to publish the following request for bids locally:
“PUBLIC NOTICE TO BIDDERS
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Franklin is accepting bids on the purchase of up to 12,000 tons of screened road sand to NY State specs. Please provide price for sand picked up. Bids must be returned by noon on Thursday, August 26, 2010, and be accompanied by a non-collusive bidding certificate. Send bids to: Sandra J. Oliver, Franklin Town Clerk, P O Box 209, Vermontville, NY 12989 or delivered to same at the Town Hall, 7 Cold Brook Rd., Vermontville. Envelopes must be marked “SAND BID.” Bids will be opened and awarded at a special meeting of the Town Board at noon on August 26, 2010 at the Town Hall, Vermontville, NY. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids. By Order of the Town Board; Sandra J. Oliver, Town Clerk.”

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Clifford Smalley
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

Councilman Allen Berg

Those Abstaining:

None

7) NEW ROAD OPENING PERMIT. Copies of Town of Harrietstown permit application for opening sidewalks and roads distributed to Board. A Loon Lake homeowner wishes to install new water service pipe which will run under the road. Board requested to review and adopt version of Harrietstown permit application. Supv. Willman stated the new permit would require a $75 application fee and be incorporated into the culvert policy, which eventually will be incorporated into the new NYS Building Code as a local law. The Board will review the document, and Supv. Willman will discuss with James Martineau, attorney for the town regarding the possibility of a new local law.

8) CRACK SEALING ESTIMATE. Gorman Bros. submitted an estimate for sealing cracks on sections of Oregon Plains and Swinyer Roads in the amount of $15,901.00, for a total of 10 lane miles. The Board was requested to review the estimate and authorize expenditure. Discussion ensued regarding which portions of Oregon Plains and Swinyer Roads would be impacted and whether it would be worth sealing cracks if ditching was inadequate. Supv. Willman will discuss the estimate with Highway Superintendent DeMars. Motion to Table to August 26, 2010 special board meeting. (B.Merrill-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE.

9) GARDEN ROAD MATTER.

a. Kenneth Guerin, resident of Garden Road, submitted the following letter to the Town Supervisor and Town Board: “August 5, 2010 Re Draft Minutes of the Monthly Town Board Meeting; July 14, 2010. Dear Supervisor and Board Members: My review of the minutes for the referenced minutes necessitates a request for inclusion of an addendum to the record of that meeting prior to formal acceptance of the meeting minutes at the August 2010 general meeting. To be specific, the referenced meeting contains a reprint of Mr. David Kershner’s July 5, 2010 letter to Highway Superintendent DeMars. Mr. Kershner’s letter makes reference to my April 12, 2010 letter to Superintendent DeMars concerning the Garden Road issue, however, the content and intention of my letter to Mr. DeMars was clearly misrepresented by Mr. Kershner. A review of my April 12, 2010 letter, which appears in the minutes for the May 2010 Monthly Town Board Meeting will substantiate this claim. Incidently [sic] I have never engaged in any conversation or written communication with David Kershner concerning Garden Road. I therefore respectfully request that the Town Board approve, an add, an addendum to the July 14, 2010 monthly Town Board Meeting minutes. The proposed addendum could state: ‘A review of letters to Highway Superintendent DeMars from Mr. Guerin dated April 12, 2010 and Mr. Kershner dated July 5, 2010, indicates the following: First, Mr. Kershner’s letter does not accurately reflect the comments, concerns or interests of Mr. Guerin concerning the proposed improvements to Garden Road. Secondly, Mr. Kershner’s July 5, 2010 letter clearly reflects inaccuracies and contextual omissions regarding Mr. Guerin’s April 12, 2010 letter to Superintendent DeMars.’ Thank you for your assistance on this matter as well as your continued service to the residents of the Town of Franklin. Sincerely, Kenneth G. Guerin.” [emphasis contained in original]

b. George Closson, a resident of Loon Lake, submitted the following statement via August 11, 2010 email: “I am a resident of Loon Lake and have served for many years on a Planning & Zoning Commission. Today most towns in order to protect the rural character of the area are not promoting the rural area roads being 50' wide. Many rural areas have stone walls and other historic features that would be destroyed by efforts to maintain a 50' right of way. Maintaining a narrower road also tends to keep travel speeds to lower limits. I would hope the Town Board reconsiders its efforts to clear a 50' ROW over Garden Road. Working with the affected owners of Garden Way to come up with a workable solution would be a welcome approach. Thank you for your consideration. George N. Closson, President. SOC Construction, Inc., 294 Main Street, Winsted, Ct. 06098. General Contractor - Construction Management

c. Supervisor Willman read his August 11, 2010 reply to Mr. Closson: “Dear Mr. Closson: I am in receipt of your letter regarding the planned work on the Garden Rd., in Loon Lake. Like many others who have not heard directly from either me or Jacques DeMars, you seem to harbor the misconception that it is our plan to clear or as stated in the LLHOA petition, “strip mine” a 50 foot swath along the right of way that the town is required to maintain. Rather than go into a lengthy discussion about our plans over email, I ask that you give a call at your earliest convenience so that we may discuss this directly. I can be reached at (518) 891-2189 from the hours of 8am to 2pm M-F. Looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Art Willman, Supervisor.”

Motion to accept Highway Report (D.Hamm-B.Merrill m/s/p) ALL AYE

9. NEW BUSINESS

A. WES WILSON ACHIEVEMENT. Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution citing Wes Wilson’s achievement of entering and completing the Lake Placid Ironman Race. Motion for resolution (D.Hamm-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 59: RECOGNITION OF TOWN RESIDENT WESLEY WILSON’S 2010 IRON MAN COMPETITION ACHIEVEMENT WHEREAS, Town of Franklin resident Wesley Wilson resolved to improve his physical condition; and WHEREAS, Wesley Wilson improved his physical condition to such a degree that he entered the 2010 Lake Placid Iron Man Competition and completed the arduous race; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Franklin hereby recognizes Mr. Wilson’s achievement and congratulates him on his accomplishment.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Clifford Smalley
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

Councilman Allen Berg

Those Abstaining:

None

B. SCHEDULE BUDGET WORKSHOPS. The Board, in consultation with Richard Meagher, Budget Officer, scheduled the following Budget Workshops: General Fund and Fire Protection Fund: 7:00 PM Monday, September 27and Highway Fund at 7:00 PM Monday, October 4, 2010.

C. DOG LICENSING CHANGES. The Town Clerk reported that the State of New York Department of Agriculture & Markets has removed itself from issuing and maintenance of dog licenses. This was a part of one of the NYS Budget extender bills adopted by the Legislature in June 2010. As of January 1, 2011, municipalities are responsible for dog licensing. Some counties have agreed to oversee the administration of the licensing, but thus far, the County of Franklin has indicated it is not interested in doing so. The Town of Franklin must proceed with adopting a local law, purchasing prenumbered tags with Town identification, and establishing prices and procedures for renewal notification. A package of materials prepared by Agriculture & Markets was distributed to each board member. The Clerk stated there are approximately 77 licensed dogs in the Town. Because the number of licensed animals is low, the Town seek to purchase prenumbered tags with other small municipalities. Further recommended was that all licenses be renewed in July of each year, following the free rabies vaccination clinic, with most residents in town at that time. Fees for altered animals to stay at $2.50 but increase from $10.50 to $11.50 for unaltered dogs; with kennel fees remaining the same. Coun. Hamm opined that $5.00 for a neutered pet is affordable and suggested an increase in the fee for unaltered dogs to $15.00; and the Board concurred. Supv. Willman asked the clerk to contact other towns to arrange to purchase prenumbered tags.

D. DISCUSSION AMEND LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2002 - IMPROPERLY STORED GARBAGE. Further to Mr. Baltzly’s request, discussion ensued regarding the narrowing of Local Law #1 of 2002 to curtail large items left at roadside. It was recommended to include language that after 7 days if the item is not picked up by an interested party, that the property owner remove the item. If the homeowner does not remove the item, the Town will do so and charge the homeowner. The item by at the roadside should be out of right of way of Town to as not to impede road maintenance or snow removal. Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution to have attorney for the town draft the amended local law. Motion for resolution (C.Smalley-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 60: AUTHORIZE ATTORNEY FOR TOWN TO DRAFT AMENDMENT TO LOCAL LAW NO. 1 OF 2002 - PROHIBITION ON IMPROPERLY STORED GARBAGE WHEREAS, complaints have been received concerning large personal items left at roadsides with a “free” sign thereon; and WHEREAS, these items have remained in view for a considerable amount of time; and WHEREAS, some of these items may constitute a health hazard or impede road maintenance; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board, in an effort to address complaints, believes it necessary to amend Local Law #1 of 2002 - Prohibition on Improperly Stored Garbage, to include large items placed at roadsides; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to instruct the attorney for the town to draft an amendment to said Local Law No. 1 of 2002.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Clifford Smalley
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

Councilman Allen Berg

Those Abstaining:

None

10. OLD BUSINESS

A. INFRASTRUCTURE TOWN HALL FURNACE UPDATE

1) ASBESTOS ABATEMENT. This was completed on Monday, August 9, 2010, and a report from Op-Tech will be received shortly. Supv. Willman reported that the inspector, after the first air quality test, opined the air in the Town Hall basement was cleaner than a residence with carpeting.

2) AWARD BID FOR NEW TOWN HALL FURNACE. Supv. Willman distributed copies of updated bids for the furnace. He stated the bid award had been delayed since March 2010 until the asbestos material in the Town Hall furnace room had been removed. He contacted each bidder and requested updated prices.

Bidder/Address/Tel/Fax ProductPrice
All Trades Contracting
345 Cornelia Street
Plattsburgh, 12901
Tel 335-8521
Olsen Oil w/oil tank install
Adams Oil w/oil tank install
Olsen Gas no oil tank
$3,593.50
$6,380.06
$3,853.50
B & E Development
P O Box 54
Saranac, NY 12981
Tel 570-6703 /Fax 492-7276
Ducane lowboy, oil for Olsen add $3,555.00
$317
Greggor’s P&H and Electrical
P O Box 309
Bloomingdale, NY 12913
Tel 891-4249
Material cost Removal/disposal/labor $2,894.27
$2,170.00
Total: $5,064.27
HomEnergy Services
33 Depot St
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Tel 891-1616
Olsen oil-fired $4,947.00
NJP Heating
P O Box 311
Keene, NY 12942
Tel 576-4291/Fax 576-2014
Williamson oil-fired $4,788.88
Rabideau Corp.
123 Duprey St.
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Tel 891-1541/Fax 523-6467
- $11,074.00
Stoll Mechanical
P O Box 964
Tupper Lake, NY 12986
Tel 524-5856
Oil fired lowboy $5,940.00

Supv. Willman indicated he was pleased with the manner in which HomEnergy submitted its bid, and Coun. Smalley commented if All-Trades could be as specific as HomEnergy, it would be his choice to accept All-Trades bid for the Olsen at $3,593.50. Coun. Hamm noted that All-Trades enjoys a very good reputation. Supv. Willman then requested a motion for a resolution accepting the All-Trades bid, provided All-Trades could provide a breakdown of its costs, including prevailing wage. Motion to accept bid of All-Trades for new Olsen furnace (C.Smalley-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 61: ACCEPT BID OF ALL-TRADES CONTRACTING FOR OLSEN FURNACE FOR $3,593.50 FOR NEW TOWN HALL FURNACE WHEREAS, the Town published requests for bids for a new oil furnace in March 2010; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed all the bids; and WHEREAS, asbestos was necessary to be removed from the furnace room of the Town Hall prior to awarding the bids; and WHEREAS, funds to purchase the furnace have been supplied under a grant of the NY Power Authority; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby accepts the bid of All-Trades Contracting, 345 Cornelia St., Plattsburgh, NY, for a Olsen oil furnace with tank installation in the sum of $3,593.50, provided All-Trades Contracting will specify each of the items necessary to remove the old equipment and install the new as well as payment of prevailing wages.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Clifford Smalley
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

Councilman Allen Berg

Those Abstaining:

None

Supv. Willman will contact All-Trades, and the Clerk will notify the unsuccessful bidders. Supv. Willman, Codes Officer Lagree and Coun. Hamm will inspect the chimney next week.

3) MERRILLSVILLE TOWN HALL. The tree overhanging the town hall should be removed and the moss-covered shingles should be replaced. Supv. Willman considered he, the custodian and some volunteers could perform this task.

B. AMBULANCE/RESCUE UPDATE. The Town of Franklin contracts with the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department for fire protection, and the newly-formed Saranac Lake Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc. for ambulance and rescue. The Village of Saranac Lake has decided to base its charges to participating municipalities, not on experience (number of calls) but on total assessed property value. The Town of Franklin will be paying $5,300 more in 2011, for a total of $39,780.74, or an increase of 6.96%. The Village Board has determined the VSL Fire Dept. will retain certain equipment formerly shared before the formation of the independent ambulance squad, the “jaws of life” being one. The participating municipalities and members of the Saranac Lake Fire Advisory Board have requested a meeting with Village Manager John Sweeney, who requested all inquiries be in writing and that responses will be given at a regularly-scheduled Village Board meeting. The Saranac Lake Fire Advisory Board will hold its next meeting on September 1st. Town residents and taxpayers who have any questions or comments with respect to the issue are requested to address same to Supv. Art Willman at the Town Hall (PO Box 209, Vermontville, NY 12989), or email to franklinsupervisor@roadrunner.com.

C. CULVERT POLICY. The Board members received copies of the proposed culvert policy at the July 14th board meeting, and having had time to review same, discussed revisions to same. Coun. Hamm inquired whether it was possible to determine whether the Town or the property owner had installed an existing culvert. He indicated he did not wish taxpayers to be responsible for replacing every single existing culvert in the town. Discussion ensued, and it was determined that existing culverts would be replaced by the Town only in the course of capital highway improvement projects. (Revisions shown in resolution in bold and italic.) Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution adopting the policy. Motion for resolution (C.Smalley-B.Merrill m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 62: ADOPT CULVERT POLICY WHEREAS, the Town Board has need of a policy regarding culverts, new or replacement, for several years; and WHEREAS, after consulting with the Codes Officer and Highway Superintendent, a policy was drafted, studied and revised; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board adopts the following as its policy regarding the purchase of materials and installation of new and existing culverts in the Town of Franklin:
CULVERT POLICY
Commencing August 12, 2010, property owners who need to install a new culvert for the purpose of creating a roadway entrance must follow the following procedures:
1. The property owner or his representative will meet with the Highway Superintendent at the site to discuss and determine the location of the roadway entrance.
2. Upon determination of the roadway entrance and size of culvert is determined, the culvert will be ordered. The property owner will be responsible for the cost of the culvert materials and crushed stone required to install same.
3. Payment for the materials will be made to the Building Codes Officer.
4. Highway Department personnel will install the culvert at no additional cost to the property owner.
5. Existing culverts will be replaced entirely at Town expense providing culvert replacement is performed in connection with capital road improvements. Culverts requiring replacement not in connection with capital road improvements will be replaced at the property owner’s expense by Highway Department personnel.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Clifford Smalley
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

Councilman Allen Berg

Those Abstaining:

None

D. LAND INVENTORY. Motion to Table. (B.Merrill-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE.

E. ASSESSMENT MATTERS. Supv. Willman reported that the Office of Real Property Services (ORPS) has been merged in the Dept. of Taxation & Finance. On August 2nd, he and Harrietstown Supervisor Larry Miller met with Assessor Doug Tichenor and representatives of ORPS to review its recently updated policy on assessment revaluations and aid. He read the August 10, 2010 letter received from Cynthia King, ORPS, Ray Brook: “Dear Mr. Willman: I would like to thank you for meeting with Doug Tichenor Larry Miller and me last week to talk about changes in state aid that will be available to reassessment towns. The details still need to be worked out, but I thought it was important for the supervisors whose towns are affected by the changes to get at least an overview of the new Full Value Aid Program. I will continue to keep you updated on the specifics as they become known. In the meantime, I will provide you with an update on the status of Franklin’s 2011 reassessment project. Data Collection. Data Collection for this project has been completed, and the inventory has been updated on the county’s RPSV4 file. The accuracy of the inventory will be reflected in the quality of the valuation numbers, so it is important that the data be validated. To verify the data, Doug and I then ran edits on the inventory, using the RPSV4 software, where the program identifies possible errors in the data based on logical parameters for each data item—for instance, a parcel that is missing its neighborhood code, or a two family house that has only one kitchen. We have also discussed doing some individual parcel validation, to further insure the data is as accurate as possible. Upcoming Tasks. At this point Doug has begun valuation. He has run analysis on sales in the town and begun to create a land schedule and manual model. He will continue to refine the land schedule and model, and eventually run costs estimates and comparable reports for each parcel. These reports can be taken out in the field in order to examine each parcel one last time before determining final values. Areas of Concern. At this point, the project is on schedule, and I do not have any areas of concern. I will continue to assist Doug with running valuation, and we’ve discussed going out in the field to review some parcels together. I will also continue to provide periodic updates of the reassessment project. If you have questions, either about the project or the new Full Value Aid program, please contact me. . . .Sincerely, Cynthia King.”

Supv. Willman explained that ORPS wants towns to perform full value assessments in order to stay as close to a 100% equalization rate. New York State will give towns $5 per parcel in valuation years and $2 per parcel in off years. Towns must agree to perform a revaluation every 3 to 4 years. The Town Board will have to consider this carefully. Assessor Tichenor favors this approach.

The Town’s 2010 equalization rate is at 55%, down 3% from last year. However, when the assessment reval is completed in 2011, the rate will be at 100%.

F. REVISE CONTRACT TO USE TOWN FACILITIES. At its July meeting, the Board considered whether to revise to contract to use Town facilities to permit alcohol consumption and to charge a refundable $25 deposit. As suggested by the Board, Supv. Willman polled other municipalities and found none permit alcohol. If the Town of Franklin revised the policy and permitted alcohol, it would be covered from liability because it pays for host liquor liability insurance. If the Board determines not to permit alcohol, then the Town could dispense with the host liquor liability insurance. Motion to table to September (C.Smalley-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

11. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. CELEBRATION. The Celebration Committee will hold parties for children at the end of October and again during the Christmas season.

B. CEMETERY COMMITTEE. 1) ACCEPT REVISED Guidelines and Rules. Couns. Merrill and Coun. Smalley revised the draft guidelines and regulations published in the July 14 minutes, and Coun. Smalley stated the purpose was to create clear standards so everyone understands them (revisions in bold and italic). Coun. Merrill indicated the guidelines would be part of a package distributed by the Cemetery Custodian. Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution adopting the Rules and Guidelines. (B.Merrill-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 63: ACCEPT GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR TOWN CEMETERIES WHEREAS, the Town owns and administers several cemeteries; and WHEREAS, guidelines and rules have been considered in the past but never adopted; and WHEREAS, guidelines and rules have been created; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following are accepted:

GUIDELINES & RULES FOR TOWN OWNED CEMETERIES

Responsibilities of Cemetery Custodian

* *Assignment of all cemetery plots
* **Supervision of placement of stones (head, foot, corner)
Shall keep a ledger of interments and map of gravesites - coordinate same with town clerk
Cooperate with funeral directors, etc. as needed
Notify town board as to needs of cemetery ground plane changes, buildings, etc.

Cost

* All cost of burials, headstones, footstones, cornerstones, etc. are the responsibility of the individual to whom the plot was assigned
* There is no cost to Town of Franklin residents for plots, however, donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated.
* Town of Franklin performs all maintenance of the Union Cemeteries

Gravesites

* All burials must be administered by Cemetery Custodian
* Concrete vaults are mandatory
* Plot corner markers are mandatory and shall be at ground level
* No in-ground plantings of trees, shrubs, etc.
* No gravesite ground plane changes by other than the Town or approved by Town
* No artificial enclosures of any kind
* Ornamentation, plotted plants, etc. shall be placed on headstones so as not to impede mowing or other maintenance
* Ornamentation shall not consist of glass, wire or other materials that may become a hazard.

Removal of Ornaments

* It is the responsibility of the assigned plot holders to keep ornaments, etc. safely and orderly and periodically removed.
* Any ornaments found to be deteriorated or a hazard will be removed and disposed of by the Town of Franklin.
* Assignment of predetermined (reserved) cemetery plots shall be limited to two (2) grave sites. All consideration shall be made to accommodate family plots and location whenever possible.

** Vertical monuments shall be on west side of plot

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Clifford Smalley
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

Councilman Allen Berg

Those Abstaining:

None

2) BUILDINGS. The roofs of both sheds at the cemetery on Route 3 and the cemetery in Merrillsville must be reshingled. Supv. Willman remarked he had received an estimate to repair from Doug Snickles for $900.00, so the Town would not need to publish requests for bids.

C. RECREATION COMMITTEE This Friday is the last day for the summer youth program. Kathy Drake and her assistants did a wonderful job, and all the youngsters enjoyed the program. The new swing set was erected and installed by Jim Keith, Alan Oliver and Roger Symonds.

12. CORRESPONDENCE

APA has approved the DEC application to create a gravel parking area on conservation land off the Goldsmith Road. Materials will be paid for by NY State, Chateaugay Woodlands and the Franklin Snowmobilers.

13. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS.

Q/C: Why did you accept Ken Guerin’s letter just because he was offended Dave Kershner quoted him?

A: The Board accepted the letter. It doesn’t mean the Board agrees.

Q/C: Whatever happened to the one-way option for Garden Road?

A: Highway Superintendent DeMars consulted other highway superintendents, and because there are so many problems with a one-way street in that area, they did not recommend that course of action.

Q/C: I looked at the survey and if you proceed with the Garden Road project you will impact my well.

A: Supv. Willman indicated he would inspect the property and take measurements. He will ask Geomatics if it is possible to “spot” the well on the survey map.

Q/C: What kind of unloaded weapon will the Highway Superintendent carry in order to remove pest beavers?

A: Probably a 12 gauge shotgun, his own.

14. ANNOUNCEMENTS.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21ST ALL DAY…Town Picnic at Kate Mountain Rec Park. Good food, lots of music, crafts, vendors, children’s art exhibit, history. All invited.

15. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 9:16 PM. Motion to adjourn (B.Merrill-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

Respectfully submitted, Sandra J. Oliver, Town Clerk

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Town of Franklin
P.O. Box 209, Route 3, Vermontville, NY 12989  ·  Tel: 518-891-2189  ·  Fax: 518-891-6389  ·  info@townoffranklin.com
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